Jagdish Singh

Jagdish Singh is a boxing coach from Bhiwani, a backwater district of Indian state of Haryana. His claim to fame is that out of the five Indian boxers in 2008 Beijing Olympics, four have come out of his academy BBC (Bhiwani boxing club) in Bhiwani, Haryana established in 2001. His wards include the three Indian boxers who have qualified for the quarterfinals at Beijing, viz., Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar and Vijender Kumar.Vijender has already ensured a medal by reaching semifinals which will be fought on 22nd Aug. Quoting from a recent newspaper article, [http://www.itgo.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&issueid=&id=6106&sectionid=4&secid=24&Itemid=1] The credit for turning Bhiwani into an elite boxing center largely goes to an intrepid Sports Authority of India coach Jagdish Singh, who has been at the center since 1996. In 2004 Athens Olympics also 3 out of 4 qualifiers were from Bhiwani. Due to its stupendous record of producing competent boxers Bhiwani is rightfully called as the 'Cuba of India', with more than 1/10th of kids of the district into boxing.

A former national boxer, Jagdish has "produced boxers like a factory", in a Country of Cricket frenzy crowd. He is known for his unconventional training methods. Due to his no compromise attitude, politics in committee kept him away from Beijing with his Quartet (Akhil, Jeetendar, Dinesh and Vijender). More than 1000's have been out from his academy and have won already 161 medals at international arena and 312 national medals from world championship to Olympics. Currently there are 135 odd being trained. Boxers are encouraged to fight without chin guards, thus making them tough and skillful. Mittal Champions trust is also funding the boxers from sometime.

In 2001, Singh established the Bhiwani Boxing Club withdrawing his GPF, mortgaging his home and land to obtain loan of 4lakhs from Grahmin bank. BBC has a 25 metre track, a multi-utility gym, three punching bags and a mobile boxing ring. A very ordinary facility of its kind, but the sheer determination and dedication from every one involved is what has made the academy the best in the country. Earlier singh used to go talent-hunting during school competitions, now aspirants from all over country come here seeking admission. One has to show improvement in 2-4 months to remain in academy. Aspirants are judged by their will power, motor-ability and co-ordination. Training is for 5 days in a week and it starts early in the morning and ends only after sunsets. Jagdish singh received Dronacharya award (Highest award conferred to Coaches) from Govt. of India for his achievement on Aug 29 2008; which he had threatened, not to receive if none of his quartet fail to win a medal at the Beijing Olympics.

=References= A champion boxer with an unmatched style in his university days, he was the STAR attraction at inter varsity meets. He is a REAL HERO of Indian sports; much bigger than the olympian boxers and the over paid cricketers.